Miami Beach police have pleaded with property managers in the area to help crack down on social media influencers performing social media stunts on high-rise buildings.
Police have noted the “concerning trend” known as “Urban Exploration,” which involves individuals trespassing on private structures in Miami Beach and southern parts of the city, a community advisory posted by the department stated.
“Although more commonly known to take place in abandoned building structures, in several cases individuals have gained unauthorized access to building stairwells and rooftops to record videos or photographs for social media,” the advisory stated.
Footage online shows a group of young people climbing on railings in stairwells, covering security cameras with traffic cones and even kicking down doors to gain access to higher spots.
Another showed the group being confronted by building staff and making a swift getaway.
Content has been posted from some of Miami’s most prominent high-rises, which include Portofino Tower, Fontainebleau, Tresor Tower, Blue Diamond Condominium, Green Diamond Condominium, and Akoyo Condominium.
“Property managers and security are encouraged to review and strengthen rooftop and stairwell security in order to prevent unauthorized entry,” the MBPD advisory stated.
Speaking to WSVN, Miami Beach Police officer Christopher Bess said the individuals were gaining access to the high-rises “by any means necessary” and accused them of “putting likes and views before safety.”
“These kids are actually committing burglary because they’re using force to gain access to the stairwell,” he said. “It’s extremely dangerous.”
The Independent has contacted the Miami Beach Police Department for further information and comment.
